For Immediate Release
July 23, 2014
 
CROSS CITY, Fla. - The Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tallahassee Regional Operations Center will investigate the fatal traffic accident that occurred this morning on U.S. 19 just east of Cross City. 
 
Just before 7 a.m., the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a vehicle pursuit, involving armed suspects, heading toward Dixie County.  The high-speed chase began in Marion County after a black Dodge Ram truck was stolen in Ocala.  Dixie County Sheriff Dewey Hatcher and deputies became involved in the pursuit once the truck entered Dixie County.  
 
Sheriff Hatcher’s patrol vehicle came in contact with the suspect vehicle and the suspect’s vehicle crashed.  There were three occupants inside the stolen truck.  The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Seventeen year-old male and 15-year-old female passengers were treated and released from the hospital.
 
At the request of the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office, FDLE is investigating the use of force by Sheriff Hatcher. Florida Highway Patrol is assisting on scene. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the vehicle theft. 
 
For Further Information Contact:
Gretl Plessinger, Samantha Andrews or Steve Arthur
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001